Job offer and salary negotiation

Well, my interview for Job #3 was today, and it was honestly the best interview I’ve ever had. They loved me, and I loved them! And about three hours after that interview, they called me up and offered me the position. :)

Here’s the thing: they offered me exactly the salary I was requesting – no negotiating needed … and it’s the same amount I’m currently making. However, Job #4 and Job #1 pay more. Granted I haven’t been offered a position with either of those two organizations yet, but it’s still up in the air. I could still get either of those jobs, but I would have to decline if I took the offer from #3. The difference between salary is only about $2500/year, but that’s enough to make a difference to me in my budget.

So I asked Job #3 to do a salary match. I explained to the woman in HR that I do prefer the atmosphere of #3 better, but in order to make a sound financial decision for the next few years of my life, and in order to decline the other jobs, I would need to be sure I’m making the right choice. I don’t want to appear greedy or that it’s all about the money, but I do know that I would be disappointed if I took Job #3 and then was offered one of the other jobs next week for a higher salary.

I know the worst thing they can do is say no, and I’ll still definitely want to consider taking the job … but I can’t help but think that I should just be happy with what I was offered.